Safeguard the Hur al-Azim Wetland
256
Signatures
500
Goal
To: The Parliament and Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Recent revelations by the ISNA news agency, dated August 20, 2023, have indicated the perilous state of the Hur al-Azim Wetland, demanding immediate attention.
Overview:
Situated in the southwest of Khuzestan province, Hur al-Azim Wetland delineates the border between Iran and Iraq. Covering a vast expanse of approximately 120,000 hectares, it stands as Iran's most prominent border wetland. This invaluable ecosystem boasts five reservoirs, which are now endangered due to constrained water rights, persistent droughts, aggressive oil extraction, unplanned infrastructure, and dam constructions by oil corporations.
Impending Challenges:
- Ecological Impact: The wetland's deterioration has led to the tragic loss of diverse species and its unparalleled vegetation. The latest data reveals reservoirs operating at alarmingly deficient capacities.
- Environmental Consequences: Extractive practices in the wetland, especially for oil as reported by Hamshahri newspaper on August 30, 2023, risk its transformation into a salt marsh. This can trigger extensive dust storms, deteriorating air quality, and health threats even in areas as distant as Fars and Isfahan.
- Economic Repercussions: As an economic anchor, the wetland sustains a myriad of professions, from farming to hunting. Its decline threatens these occupations, potentially leading to urban overflows and the associated challenges.
- Threat to Biodiversity: The wetland is a sanctuary for diverse life forms. Yet, pollution from industrial and agricultural sectors has initiated a catastrophic decline in its aquatic life, destabilizing the regional ecosystem.
- Cultural Heritage at Risk: The wetland is deeply woven into the cultural tapestry of the local Arab populace. The potential desiccation of Hur al-Azim risks erasing centuries-old traditions, tales, and crafts.
- Fire Concerns: The degradation of the wetland heightens the risk of large-scale fires. Such incidents not only ravage local habitats but also exacerbate air pollution in neighboring cities, as was evident from the fire in the Iraqi part of Hur al-Azim reported by the Ahwaz Journal on September 13, 2023.
Immediate Actions Proposed:
Recognizing the multifaceted significance of the Hur al-Azim Wetland and the overarching threats to its existence:
- We advocate for the swift formation of a specialized committee, comprising both domestic and international experts, to assess and provide strategic recommendations for the wetland.
- We emphasize the need for the Iranian oil sector to strictly adhere to environmental standards when operating in and around the Hur al-Azim region.
- We propose the establishment of a consultative body, consisting of officials and regional residents, especially from areas flanking the Karkheh and Karun rivers. This body would address the pressing issues of water allocation and devise sustainable strategies.
The essence of this petition is to underscore the irreplaceable value of the Hur al-Azim Wetland, both ecologically and culturally. We fervently urge your prompt intervention in safeguarding this national treasure for the present and future generations.
3 October 2023
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See where all the votes are coming from
Province Number of signatures Alborz 1 Ardabil 0 Bushehr 1 Chahar Mahaal and Bakhtiari 0 East Azerbaijan 3 Fars 3 Gilan 1 Golestan 0 Hamadan 0 Hormozgan 0 Ilam 0 Isfahan 1 Kerman 2 Kermanshah 0 Khuzestan 18 Kohgiluyehv And Boyer Ahmad 0 Kurdistan 2 Lorestan 0 Markazi 0 Mazandaran 0 North Khorasan 0 Qazvin 1 Qom 0 Razavi Khorasan 3 Semnan 0 Sistan and Baluchestan 0 South Khorasan 1 Tehran 21 West Azerbaijan 3 Yazd 1 Zanjan 0 This petition has received 256 signatures so far. Approximately 85% of signatures come from Iran. Approximately 15% of signatures come from outside of Iran. Learn how Daadkhast generates signature maps. -
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حفظ محیط زیست.
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Keeping natural resources alive is vital.
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حقابه هورالعظیم
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حفظ محيط زيست
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An Ahwazi Activist started this petition
هور العظیم اکبر هور الذی یحمل طیور النادره بالعالم والنظام الایرانی یحاول تنشیف الهور